Underbelly is a non-verbal somatic practice (freeform movement meditation) where we reclaim our slow in a fast and overwhelming world. Our dominant culture survives on speed, which keeps problematic and oppressive structures in place at the devastating cost of our well-being and planetary health. Underbelly is a somatic response to the loss of slowness in an increasingly urgent world drowning in climate collapse, AI threat, technological addiction, diseased capitalism and polarization, as well as historical nervous system trauma from continuing racism, colonialism, and patriarchy. It's time to dismantle the hurry. This practice helps us explore the art of slowing down with ourselves, each other, and our current environment. There is space to metabolize our emotions, strengthen empathy and intuition, and develop an intimate relationship with our bodies and nature. We practice being in the questions themselves- listening and yielding to the intelligence of life without pushing, controlling, or fixing. Our individuation and togetherness are felt in a group field—deepening our presence and attunement with one another, co-regulating our nervous systems, being witnessed, held, considered, and noticed exactly as we are. We meet ourselves AS IS, without reaching for more or escaping/transcending reality. We re-learn what it is to be relational instead of transactional. To commune instead of consume. To be of service instead of self-serving. To rest back into the vastness and wildness of the natural world, releasing the tight circuits of programming, conditioning, and linearity we've known for so long. Spend quality time with your body, breath, and being. Voyage beneath the surface of our fast culture, and dive into a slow sanctuary for unearthing what is alive, tender, and honest for you in every moment. This experience is not a solution, method, workshop or teaching of tools. It is not a business, ceremony, ecstatic dance, dance class or conscious dance space. It is a somatic gathering space that supports nervous system co-regulation, ample rest, and radical self/community care.
Music: emotional, slow, deep, meditative, experimental, film scores, nature sounds, ambient, soulful, silent, and live. Listen on Spotify!
When/Where: In-person sessions: Join the mailing list to get all the invites!
May 2023 schedule below:
West Coast Arts Foundation, San Rafael 1554 4th St. (entrance is in the parking lot!) May 1st, 15th, 29th @ 7-9:30pm
Finnish Hall (upstairs), Berkeley 1970 Chestnut St. May 8th (CANCELLED- Family Emergency) and 22nd @ 7:45-10:30pm
HeartLab, SF (in collaboration with San Francisco Community Nights) 3095 21st St. May 23rd @ 7-10pm Tickets here
What to Expect: 1) Arrival (container will CLOSE 15 min after start time, please show up on time! Leaving early is permitted): This is a time to unwind on your own and find your way into your body. 2) Facilitated opening (guided somatic meditation, helping the body have a conversation with the present moment) 3) Deep Dive (a time for your own body to guide you while immersed in music) 4) Facilitated closing (closing meditation and simply being with one another in the quiet)
Contribution ~Sliding scale: $15 and up (pay at the door) ~$15 helps cover our rental space. Anything over is your contribution to those experiencing financial hardship and a donation to the facilitator. Give what allows you to feel generous, not contracted. ~If you are experiencing financial hardship, please let us know, no one will be turned away. ~Pre-pandemic passes no longer valid/no refunds. ~Ways to contribute: 1) Venmo: @amy-rogg (last 4 phone digits 0330) 2) Paypal: payment link here 3) Cash 4) Support us on Patreon
Covid Protocol: ~Please do not attend if you have been risky, exposed, or have symptoms. ~Rapid/antigen testing always encouraged. ~Mask as needed.
About the Creator: Amy Rogg (she/her) is an activator and nurturer of the human spirit. She is half Taiwanese/half Jewish, born in Denver Colorado and raised mostly in the Bay Area. She is the conduit, creator, and facilitator of Underbelly: The Art of Slowing Down. Amy has a B.A. in television/film production and studied acting/improv in Los Angeles. She has also taught yoga (E-RYT 500), meditation, and somatic/relational movement for the past decade. Some of her inspirations: nature, GAGA, Hakomi, Continuum, The Artist's Way, Yat Malmgren, Contact Improvisation, Movement Liberation, Anna Halprin, Esther Perel, Elizabeth Gilbert, Resmaa Menakem, Sarah Blondin, Marc-André Leclerc, Jeong Kwan, Qi Gong, Yoga, Open Floor, Ecstatic Dance, Dancing Freedom, 5 Rhythms, Soul Motion, her mom, and romantic relationships. Instagram: @amyrogg Facebook page: here
Please read the Underbelly Code of Conduct and Logistics here